Mirror tiles are a bit more difficult to cut than other types of tiles because they are more prone to cracking and chipping. For these reasons, it’s important to know what to use to cut mirror tiles. In this article, I will cover what can be used to cut mirror tiles, and how to do it.
A tile cutter with a carbide blade, or a tile saw also called a wet saw can be used to cut mirror tiles. Use a rubbing stone to smooth any chips or minor imperfections in the tile edge. Apply masking tape over where you will cut to reduce the risk of cracking and chipping.
There are a few different tools that can be used to cut regular tiles, so below I will explain if these also work for mirror tiles, and if there are any special considerations. I’ll also cover how to cut mirror tiles step by step, and how to cut acrylic mirror tiles, and self adhesive mirror tiles.
What Can You Use To Cut Mirror Tiles? (How To)
Regular tiles can be cut using a range of different tools. But, mirror tiles are made of hardened glass that is more brittle than regular tiles. So, here is what can be used to cut mirror tiles.
Overall, a wet saw also called a tile saw, or a tile cutter with a carbide blade can be used to cut mirror tiles. Put masking tape where you will make the cut. It will reduce the risk of chipping or premature breaking. Smooth off any rough edges using a rubbing stone.
As you may know a tile cutter cuts a small groove in a tile, and then you press down using a special attachment on it. Doing so then breaks the tile along the line that has been cut into it.
It’s always possible but not likely that when you snap the tile it will break unevenly. Also, when using a wet saw, it is possible a small percentage of your mirror tiles can crack or break, even if you apply masking tape. But, this is true of all types of tiles, not just mirror tiles. And overall both of these tools work very well.
Qualified tilers have stated that when they are on a job, they will use a tile cutter for porcelain and ceramic tiles because they are softer materials. Whereas, for all other tiles, they use a wet saw.
The reason is it takes a lot of force to snap more rigid tiles like natural stone, and glass using a tile cutter. And when cutting a large quantity of tiles it takes far longer, and requires a lot more work. Therefore, for a large batch of glass tiles, such as for an entire wall, a wet saw is best.
Can You Use Tile Cutter To Cut Mirror Tile?
A tile cutter is a tried and true tool that works very well on soft tiles. Mirror tiles are very hard, and therefore it’s not immediately obvious if a tile cutter will work. Here’s whether a tile cutter can be used to cut mirror tiles.
As a general rule, a tile cutter can be used to cut mirror tile. But, only if the tile cutter has a carbide blade. After cutting mosaic mirror tiles, the paper backing needs to be cut with a craft knife. Smooth off the edges if required using a rubbing stone.
A carbide blade is made of some type of metal as well as carbon. For example, it’s common for tile cutters to have a tungsten carbide cutting blade. This is an alloy – a mix of two materials – of tungsten and carbon.
The underside of mirror tiles with a paper backing will also need to be cut using a craft knife. When you cut mirror tiles with a tile cutter you then snap them using the tile cutter.
But, the paper backing on the underside won’t get cut by the blade of the tile cutter because it only cuts the surface. It is possible to cut glass tiles upside down, in which case it will cut through the backing paper and the mirror tile.
Can You Use Tile Saw To Cut Mirror Tile?
A tile saw is specifically designed for cutting tiles, and is the best tool to use for harder tile materials like natural stone. Mirror tiles are made of a special type of glass, and therefore, this is whether it’s possible to use a tile saw to cut mirror tiles.
In general, a tile saw can be used to cut mirror tile. Using a glass blade will create a better cut. To prevent premature breaking or chipping put masking tape where you will make the cut. After cutting it, if there are any rough edges smooth them off with a rubbing stone.
When cutting mirror tile you may only be keeping one piece of the tile, and discarding what you cut off. In the case you only need to apply masking tape on the side of the mirror tile you are keeping.
Can You Use Wet Saw To Cut Mirror Tile?
A wet saw makes light work of even the strongest tile materials like natural stone. Professional tilers typically only use a wet saw for hard tiles such as natural stone. So, here’s a rundown of whether a wet saw can be used to cut mirror tile.
A wet saw can be used to cut mirror tiles. A wet saw does a very good job of cutting mirror tiles. To reduce the risk of chipping and cracking, put a piece of masking tape where you will cut, and then mark the cut using a pencil or pen.
A glass cutting blade will create a smoother cut with less rough edges that a regular tile wet saw blade. So ideally use a glass saw blade. But, a diamond blade also works well.
The tray the tiles sit on to use a wet saw can often need to be dragged back into position. After making a cut do not drag the tile back through the spinning blade. Doing so increases the chances of creating a rougher edge. Instead, turn the saw off, and then remove the two pieces of glass tile.
Can You Cut Self Adhesive Mirror Tiles?
Self adhesive mirror tiles are inexpensive and can be used to create an interesting wall feature, and some types can replace a regular mirror. They come in a range of different sizes, and therefore, often need to be customized to fit. Here is if it’s possible to cut self adhesive mirror tiles.
In general, you can cut self adhesive mirror tiles. They can be cut with a utility knife also called a craft knife. Ideally use a metal ruler for straight cuts. Self adhesive mirror tiles have a similar texture to regular cardboard, and have a similar amount of force required to cut them.
They cut very easily using a craft knife. Only cut them on something that you don’t mind also getting cut with the craft knife. A scrap piece of wood like plywood or something similar will work well. But, with some care you can put a piece of cardboard underneath to protect the surface you are cutting on.
Can You Cut Acrylic Mirror Tiles?
Acrylic mirror tiles are much stronger than regular glass mirror tiles, and therefore are far less likely to break. The downside is it’s far easier for the mirror tiles to be slightly bent and provide a warped reflection. Acrylic mirror tiles are a reasonably unique material so here is how to cut them.
Overall, you can cut acrylic mirror tiles. They can be cut by hand using a utility knife or similar, a jigsaw, or a handsaw. If using a utility knife you will need to snap it on something straight like a table. A utility knife also only works on acrylic mirrors that are 3 mm or less in thickness.
A utility knife will need to be cut a few times with a utility knife. After that it can snap on a straight edge like a table. For thicker mirror tiles they recommend using a jigsaw, or handsaw.
How To Cut Mirror Tile
Mirror tiles come in a range of different sizes, and are also made as mosaic tiles. Installing all types of tiles always requires cutting them to fit the dimensions of the area they are being installed on to. There are a few methods and tools that can be used to cut mirror tiles but these are the methods used by professional tilers.
Generally, use a tile cutter with a carbide blade, or a wet saw. Using a tile cutter to cut mirror tiles can be done in the way a tile cutter is designed. The same is true with a wet saw. But, when using a wet saw put a layer of masking tape to reduce chipping and cracking.
Some people have reported using a dremel with a diamond blade works well. But, because a dremel is handheld it’s difficult to hold it steady and create a precise cut.
Overall, use either a tile cutter, or a wet saw. If using a tile cutter it needs to have a carbide blade on it. For large quantities of mirror tiles a wet saw is a better option because it requires less effort than a tile cutter. Small chips on the edges should be smoothed off using a rubbing stone.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 26, 2022.